You’re probably looking at your calendar and wondering why everyone is suddenly talking about lawn signs and attack ads again. Didn't we just finish an election? Well, if you live in the Commonwealth, the answer is always "sort of." Virginia is famously one of only two states—alongside New Jersey—that holds its big state-level elections in odd-numbered years.
So, when is the Virginia governor election? The next Virginia gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2025. Wait, did I say "took place"? Yeah. If you’re reading this in early 2026, the dust has already settled, the victory parties are over, and the moving trucks are at the Executive Mansion. If you're looking for the next next one, you'll be waiting until November 6, 2029.
Why Virginia’s Election Calendar is Kinda Weird
Most states align their governor races with the U.S. Midterms or the Presidential cycle. Not Virginia. Since 1851, the Commonwealth has stubbornly stuck to the year immediately following a Presidential election.
This isn't just a quirk; it’s a political pressure cooker. Because it’s the first major election after a new President takes office, the whole country looks at Virginia to see if voters are happy or if they're already having "buyer's remorse." It’s basically a massive, state-wide vibe check.
The "One and Done" Rule
There is another reason Virginia elections feel so frantic: the term limit. Under Article V, Section 1 of the Virginia Constitution, the governor cannot serve consecutive terms.
You get four years. That’s it.
This is why Glenn Youngkin, the Republican governor inaugurated in 2022, couldn't run in the 2025 cycle. It creates an "open seat" every single time, which usually means more money, more candidates, and way more drama. While a former governor could technically run again later—like Mills Godwin or William Smith did way back when—it almost never happens in the modern era.
What Went Down on November 4, 2025
The 2025 race was historic, and honestly, a bit of a landslide. Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer and U.S. Representative, faced off against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
It was the first time in Virginia history that both major party nominees for governor were women.
Spanberger ended up winning by a massive margin—over 500,000 votes. Most political junkies and analysts like those at Sabato’s Crystal Ball or The Cook Political Report saw this coming in the final weeks, as polling showed Spanberger leading consistently. She's now set to be sworn in as the 75th governor of Virginia—and the first woman to ever hold the job—on January 17, 2026.
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The Issues That Flipped the Script
Why did the 2025 election go the way it did? It wasn't just about the candidates. Several big-ticket items dominated the airwaves:
- Federal Layoffs: There was a lot of anxiety in Northern Virginia regarding federal workforce cuts and "mass layoffs" coming out of Washington D.C. Spanberger leaned heavily into protecting these jobs.
- The "Trump Factor": Earle-Sears was often tied to the policies and reputation of Donald Trump. In a state that has been trending "blue" or at least "purple-blue" in statewide races, that proved to be a tough hill to climb.
- Abortion and Reproductive Rights: Like many races since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this remained a central pillar for the Democratic campaign.
Key Dates You Might Have Missed (or Need for Next Time)
If you missed the 2025 window, or if you're just curious how the timeline usually works so you don't get caught off guard in 2029, here is the basic rhythm:
- The Filing Deadline: Usually in early April. This is when we find out who is actually serious about running.
- Primary Day: Typically the third Tuesday in June. Interestingly, in 2025, both Spanberger and Earle-Sears were so dominant in their parties that the primaries were actually canceled.
- Early Voting: This starts 45 days before the election. Virginia has some of the most accessible early voting in the country.
- Election Day: Always the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
How to Get Ready for the 2029 Cycle
It feels like a lifetime away, but 2029 will be here before you know it. If you want to make sure you're actually able to cast a ballot next time around, you should probably check your status now—especially if you've moved.
Virginia now allows Same Day Registration. This is huge. Even if you wake up on Election Day and realize you forgot to register, you can go to your polling place, fill out a provisional ballot, and register right there.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on the Virginia Department of Elections website. They keep the "Citizen Portal" updated with your specific polling location and your current registration status.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your registration: Go to the Virginia Department of Elections portal to ensure your address is current.
- Mark the Inauguration: If you're a political nerd, the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger is happening January 17, 2026, in Richmond.
- Watch the 2027 Midterms: Before the next governor race, Virginia will elect its entire General Assembly (House and Senate) in 2027. That will be the next big test of political power in the state.
- Research local registrars: If you have questions about mail-in ballots or drop boxes, your local county registrar is a much better source than a random Facebook post.